Costumes, anyone?

Posted on October 31, 2014 by Ann Roth

So…. what are you wearing today? I’m talking Halloween costumes, of course. 🙂

At the gym this morning, one of the trainers dressed as Wonder Woman. I told her she looked adorable (she’s all of 5’2″ tall). “Adorable?” She frowned. “But I’m Wonder Woman!” So I said she looked fierce. She like that a lot better!

Have you ever worn a costume to work?

Years ago, when I was hired to work in the finance group at what is now Bank of America (armed with my brand new MBA), my boss told me that people dress up for Halloween, and to come to work in costume on my first day. Which just happened to be Halloween. So I did–dressed as a bum, in tattered clothes and a shapeless old hat. I put dried coffee grounds on my face so that I looked like I really need a shave.

Wouldn’t you know I was the ONLY one in costume. If that wasn’t enough, we had an all-department meeting that morning, where I was introduced as the next Whiz Kid on the block. I was really embarrassed, but everyone laughed and so did I.

Still smiling about that one.

Until next time,

Ann

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From my family to yours…

Posted on October 31, 2014 by Ann Roth

Wishing you a day of festivities and fun!!

Until Monday, and spookishly yours,

Ann

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Spooky pre-Halloween Neighborhood Fun

Posted on October 30, 2014 by Ann Roth

I don’t know what your neighborhood looks like during the Halloween festivities. Some of the houses around mine go all-out.

This huge spidey and web thing is one block from out house. Only one comment is suitable: eek!!

Until next time,

Ann

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Caution… Woman at work

Posted on October 29, 2014 by Ann Roth

I am busy at work… and will be back another day.

Until Friday,

Ann

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Conference!

Posted on October 27, 2014 by Ann Roth

I just returned from a fabulous Novelists, Inc. (aka, Ninc) conference at the Tradewinds on St. Pete’s beach. Talk about a gorgeous venue for a conference!

Ninc is an organization consisting of multi-published novelists in all genres. The annual conference is a great time to meet up with old friends, network and learn more about our constantly-changing industry. This year’s conference didn’t disappoint.

I had a wonderful time and learned TONS.

Now that I’m home again, I’m rarin’ to sit down and write.

Until Wednesday,

Ann

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A recipe for…. chocolate chip pumpkin cookies!

Posted on October 24, 2014 by Ann Roth

If you like pumpkin and chocolate, these cookies are for you. I made a batch recently and oh! Are they yummy.

Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

(Original recipe found at www.lovebakesgoodcakes.com)

Note: I tweaked the original recipe a bit. The recipe below incorporates my changes.

Yield: about 5 dozen

Ingredients
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 cup sugar
1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup quick-cooking oats
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
2 cups chocolate chips

Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper (I used Silpat) and set aside.

In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar and sugar until creamy. Add the pumpkin, egg and vanilla; beat until smooth and well combined.

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Mix into the pumpkin mixture. Fold the chocolate chips into the dough. Using a cookie scoop, drop dough onto the baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges just begin to brown. Allow to cool on the pan for 3 minutes before removing to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Store leftover cookies in a covered container.

Until Monday, and Droolingly Yours,

Ann

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Kinky Boots!

Posted on October 22, 2014 by Ann Roth

Recently, I went to this show. I was eager to see it, but not sure what to expect. Would I be let down? Disappointed?

Not a chance. Kinky Boots is based loosely on a true story, or so say the PR folks. True or not, this is a can-do, be yourself tale about accepting who you are and changing the world, just a little.

This is a feel-good musical–toe-tapping music, terrific dancing, a story that made me laugh and now and then, shed a tear. The tremendous enthusiasm and energy from a talented cast was contagious, and I came away smiling.

You can’t ask for more than that. If you ever get a chance to see it, do. 🙂

Until Friday, and wishing you unexpected energy and happiness,

Ann

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Pumpkins, unite!

Posted on October 20, 2014 by Ann Roth

Yesterday, my family and I headed to a pumpkin farm to get our Halloween pumpkins. I love the excitement and fun of culling through the different shapes, sizes and textures of pumpkins still in the field, choosing just the right ones and bringing them home. Then the hard work begins: cutting off the top and scooping out the guts (messy, but part of the process), sketching a face or design on the skin, and finally, turning that sketch into reality. The results are rarely exactly what we imagined, but wonderful all the same.

Sort of like writing a novel. Searching for the right story, imagining what it will look like. Slowly and patiently and often messily breathing life into it, only to find that the story I have created isn’t quite like the one I first envisioned. I’m always surprised, but rarely disappointed.

Until Wednesday, and wishing you pumpkin-friendly day,

Ann

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Writing time, and the process ain’t easy…

Posted on October 20, 2014 by Ann Roth

Some writers are able to complete that first draft in record time. I want that, too. I’m impatient as the next person to get the story of my latest work-in-progress on the page.

Instead, progress is at a crawl. Writing the first draft has become a real struggle. You’d think that after some 25-odd novels, I’d have this process down cold. But ironically, the more my skills in the craft of writing grow and develop, the slower I seem to write. Which is why the above quote is perfect. I came across it at just the right time, when I was doubting myself. Now I understand that no matter how slow and arduous the journey seems, I am making definite progress in bringing this story to life. The story will be all the richer for the time taken.

Until Wednesday, and wishing you progress in whatever you do,

Ann

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TGIF!

Posted on October 17, 2014 by Ann Roth

TGIF–Thank goodness it’s Friday!

As a writer, I set my own hours, which means I often work on Saturdays and even Sundays. Still, I look forward to the weekend.

And on that note….

Until Monday, and wishing you a terrific weekend,

Ann

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